Learning Objective #1: Describe methods to link graduate programs to the mission of the school of nursing and the university

Learning Objective #2: Describe strategies to develop community partners and create future-oriented graduate nursing programs

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The university's mission which promotes social justice, coupled with the release of several reports related to health care and nursing, stimulated the faculty of nursing at The Catholic University of America to re-examine its masters' offering. Following the self-study, a trilogy of programs designed to address health disparities and the ethnic and racial composition of advanced practice nurses and teachers was launched. Under the banner of “Advanced Practice Nursing: Caring for the Underserved,” the faculty developed three initiatives: a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) program in community/public health nursing (2000); a blended role program to prepare students to be both family nurse practitioners and community/public health clinical nurse specialists (2002); and a program to prepare community/public health clinical nurse specialists to be educators in associate and baccalaureate degree programs, community centers and health departments (fall, 2004). A fabric of advocacy for the vulnerable in our society is woven throughout the programs. Central to the implementation of this initiative was the forging of new partner relationships in the greater Washington community. Engaging agencies, universities, safety net providers, schools and policy makers, who express concern for the vulnerable in society, has been key to the success of the programs. Eight graduates have completed the first two programs. Seventy percent of the 31 students and 50% of the 8 graduates come from ethnically and racially diverse groups. More than half the graduates work with the underserved in inner city settings. Recommendations to colleagues considering a similar initiative include: deepen community roots by being active in the community; select partners because of their commitment/synergy with your mission and program; collaborate to ensure partners' investment in the education of advanced practice nurses; mobilize the energy and resources of the community to meet your goals and create the future for advanced practice nurses.